Democratic leaders are calling on the Congressional Budget Office to compile a complete analysis of how insurance coverage would be hurt by the newest Republican bill to repeal Obamacare.
"Before votes are taken . . . the public needs a full understanding of the impact this legislation would have on hard-working families," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., wrote in an open letter to CBO Director Keith Hall on Monday.
They specifically request, "how many people will lose health insurance under the Graham-Cassidy bill . . . how much will premiums and out-of-pocket health costs increase, particularly for older Americans," among other questions.
"Thus far, every version of Republicans' effort to repeal and replace the [Affordable Care Act] has meant higher health costs, millions of hard-working Americans pushed off coverage, and key protections gutted with devastating consequences for those with pre-existing conditions.
"A comprehensive CBO analysis is essential before Republicans force a hasty, dangerous vote on what is an extreme and destructive repeal bill," they wrote. "Members of Congress and the American people need to know the full consequences of Graham-Cassidy before any vote," they conclude.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., requested the CBO analyze the bill, but the Senate can vote on it before the full report becomes available.